Jordan: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Imagine a destination where ancient history meets breathtaking natural beauty. You’re about to explore a country that’s been a crossroads of cultures for thousands of years, offering an unforgettable trip experience.

This captivating country in the Middle East is a treasure trove of exciting experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to floating in the Dead Sea. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or just looking for a unique getaway, you’ll find that this destination has something for everyone.

Discovering the Wonders of Jordan

With its diverse landscapes and historical landmarks, Jordan is a destination that caters to all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or someone looking to relax, Jordan has something for everyone.

Jordan stands out as a beacon of stability and hospitality in the Middle East, making it an ideal introduction to the region. The country’s rich history is visible in its remarkably preserved archaeological sites, showcasing civilizations that date back thousands of years.

Despite being a relatively small country, Jordan boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from deserts to lush valleys. This diversity, combined with its world-renowned historical sites like Petra, makes Jordan a must-visit destination.

Experience	Places to Visit	Things to Do
Explore ancient ruins	Petra	Guided tours
Relax in natural hot springs	Ma’in Hot Springs	Spa treatments
Adventure in the desert	Wadi Rum	Jeep safaris

Visitors to Jordan can enjoy a wide range of activities and experience the local culture firsthand. From trying traditional cuisine to visiting historical places, there’s no shortage of things to do in Jordan.

Explore the Ancient City of Petra

As you step into the ancient city of Petra, you’re about to uncover a world steeped in history and mystery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Petra, often called the “Rose City” due to the color of its stone, stands as Jordan’s most iconic site. As you walk through the narrow Siq, a dramatic 1km gorge with towering walls, the anticipation builds until you’re suddenly face-to-face with the magnificent Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Petra’s most famous monument.

The Treasury and Main Trail

The Treasury is just the beginning of your Petra adventure. The ancient city spans a vast area with hundreds of elaborate rock-cut tombs, a Roman-style theater, colonnaded streets, and sacrificial altars. Plan to spend at least two full days exploring Petra to truly appreciate its scale and magnificence.

The Monastery and High Places

The Monastery (Ad-Deir), reached by climbing 900 rock-cut steps, rewards your effort with one of Petra’s most impressive monuments and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. This lost city remained hidden from the Western world for centuries until its rediscovery in 1812.

With only about 15% of the ancient city excavated, there’s much to explore and discover in Petra, making it a truly unique experience.

Experience Petra by Night

Imagine walking through Petra’s Siq, illuminated only by the soft glow of candles. This is what you experience during the Petra by Night tour, a magical evening that redefines your visit to the ancient city.

The Petra by Night experience offers a completely different atmosphere from daytime visits. As you walk through the candlelit Siq, you’ll be surrounded by an otherworldly ambiance. Upon emerging, the Treasury facade is breathtakingly illuminated by over 1,500 candles.

Key Highlights of Petra by Night:

• Petra by Night creates a magical atmosphere as you walk through the Siq illuminated only by candlelight.
• The event runs three times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday) starting at 8:30 pm, with a separate entrance fee.
• The Treasury facade glows in the light of over 1,500 candles arranged across the plaza.
• Traditional Bedouin music and storytelling connect you to the ancient Nabataean civilization.
• The experience lasts approximately two hours, giving you time to soak in the atmosphere.

This unique experience is a spiritual journey you won’t want to miss, making your visit to the site even more memorable.

Float in the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a natural wonder that offers a unique experience, allowing you to float effortlessly in its waters. Located at the lowest point on Earth, approximately 430 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is a must-visit destination.

Here are some key highlights of your visit to the Dead Sea:

• Floating in the Dead Sea is one of Jordan’s most iconic experiences – the water contains approximately 34% salt, creating an incredible buoyancy that makes it impossible to sink.
• Located at the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea offers a truly unique experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world.
• The mineral-rich mud found along the shores is renowned for its therapeutic properties, improving skin conditions and relieving joint pain.
• For the full Dead Sea experience, apply the dark mud all over your body, let it dry completely in the sun, then wash it off in the mineral-rich waters for noticeably softer, more radiant skin.
• Important safety tips include: never splash or get water in your eyes, don’t shave 24-48 hours before your visit, limit your time in the water to 15-20 minutes per session, and always shower afterward.
• Several luxury resorts line the Dead Sea shores, offering day passes that include beach access, showers, and amenities.

Dead Sea Mud Baths

The Dead Sea mud is rich in minerals, making it a popular treatment for skin conditions and joint pain. To enjoy the mud baths, apply the mud all over your body, let it dry, and then wash it off in the Dead Sea waters.

Explore Wadi Rum Desert by Jeep

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Wadi Rum’s breathtaking desert landscape. Wadi Rum, often called the “Valley of the Moon,” offers one of Jordan’s most spectacular landscapes – a vast desert wilderness of red sands, towering sandstone mountains, and natural rock arches that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.

The best way to explore this otherworldly landscape is on a 4×4 jeep tour with Bedouin guides who know every corner of this vast desert area that spans over 74,000 hectares (roughly the size of New York City). Your jeep adventure will take you to iconic sites including massive rock bridges formed by natural erosion, ancient petroglyphs dating back thousands of years, and dramatic viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the desert landscape.

As you travel through the desert, you’ll have opportunities to climb sand dunes, explore narrow canyons, and visit sites associated with T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), who based his operations here during the Arab Revolt. The distinctive red-orange sand and dramatic rock formations have made Wadi Rum a popular filming location for movies set on Mars or alien planets, including “The Martian,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” and “Dune.”

Most jeep tours last 3-4 hours and can be customized based on your interests, with options to include sunset viewpoints where the changing light creates a spectacular display of colors across the desert landscape. This experience allows you to truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.

Sleep Under the Stars in Wadi Rum

The Wadi Rum desert provides a unique opportunity to sleep beneath one of the clearest night skies you’ll ever see. With virtually zero light pollution, an overnight stay in Wadi Rum is the perfect spot for star gazing, where you can get a clear view of constellations, galaxies, and satellites.

Spending a night in Wadi Rum is an essential Jordan experience. The desert camps range from basic Bedouin-style tents to luxury “glamping” experiences with transparent bubble domes that allow you to stargaze directly from your bed. You’ll enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner called “zarb” – meat and vegetables slow-cooked underground in a sand oven, creating tender, flavorful dishes infused with desert herbs.

Evening entertainment typically includes Bedouin music around a campfire, traditional tea, and storytelling that connects you to the ancient culture of these desert dwellers. The silence of the desert at night is profound, broken only by gentle winds, and the temperature drop can be significant, bringing cool, comfortable sleeping conditions.

Waking up to sunrise in Wadi Rum is equally magical. The first light transforms the rock formations from deep purple to vibrant orange-red, creating a photographer’s paradise and a moment of natural beauty you’ll never forget. For a luxury glamping experience, consider staying at Memories Aicha Camp.

Visit the Ancient Roman City of Jerash

Explore the remarkably preserved Roman ruins in Jerash, Jordan. Jerash, also known as Gerasa, is situated about 50 km from Amman and is one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy.

The ancient Roman city boasts remarkably intact colonnaded streets, theaters, temples, and public squares that date back over 2,000 years. You can walk the same stone-paved streets that Roman citizens used, with chariot wheel ruts still visible in the original limestone.

Some of the highlights include the dramatic oval plaza (forum) and the impressive Temple of Artemis, showcasing the grandeur of Roman architecture. The ruins also feature the South Theater, known for its perfect acoustics, and the Hippodrome, where chariot races were once held.

Located just an hour’s drive north of Amman, Jerash makes an ideal day trip, offering a fascinating contrast to Jordan’s desert attractions, surrounded by rolling hills covered with olive trees and pine forests.

Relax in Ma’in Hot Springs

Discover the therapeutic retreat of Ma’in Hot Springs, where naturally heated mineral water cascades down in waterfalls, creating natural hot tubs with temperatures ranging from 45°C to 60°C.

Located 264 meters (866 feet) below sea level in a dramatic desert canyon, these springs have been used for therapeutic purposes since Roman times. The minerals in the water are believed to help treat skin conditions and improve circulation, providing a unique experience for visitors.

The area features six main waterfalls, with four accessible to the general public and two reserved for guests of the nearby resort. You can enjoy a more private experience at the ladies-only waterfall with its own changing facilities, making it a comfortable option for female travelers.

After soaking in the mineral-rich water, you can enjoy a natural mud treatment using the mineral deposits from the springs, completing the spa-like experience in this natural setting.

Jordan: Best Things to Do for Adventure Seekers

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, Jordan has plenty of exciting experiences in store for you. From canyoning to hiking, Jordan offers a wide range of adventurous activities that will make your trip unforgettable.

Canyoning at Wadi Mujib

Canyoning at Wadi Mujib is one of the best things to do in Jordan for thrill-seekers. Wadi Mujib is a breathtaking canyon that towers above the Mujib River, offering a unique adventure that involves hiking, scrambling, swimming, and climbing through the magnificent canyon. The Siq Trail at Wadi Mujib takes you hiking upstream through rushing water, climbing over boulders, and swimming through deep pools before reaching a magnificent waterfall. This adventure is sure to be a highlight on your travel bucket list.

Hiking in Dana Biosphere Reserve

Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest nature reserve, offers spectacular hiking trails through four different bio-geographical zones. You might spot some of the 800 plant species and 449 animal species that call this area home. The 14km trek from Dana Village to Feynan Ecolodge is one of Jordan’s most scenic day hikes, taking you through dramatic landscapes with stunning geological formations and panoramic valley views.

Activity	Location	Description
Canyoning	Wadi Mujib	Hike, scramble, swim, and climb through the canyon.
Hiking	Dana Biosphere Reserve	Explore four different bio-geographical zones.
Rock Climbing	Wadi Rum	Climb sandstone cliffs for desert vistas.

These adventure activities offer a perfect counterbalance to Jordan’s historical sites, allowing you to experience the country’s natural wonders in an active, engaging way. Whether you’re canyoning, hiking, or rock climbing, Jordan has something for every adventure seeker.

Explore Aqaba and the Red Sea

Aqaba, a charming port city on the Red Sea, offers a refreshing contrast to Jordan’s desert landscapes. Located on the Red Sea, it’s well worth a visit for its wonderful beaches, stunning waterfront promenade, and 16th-century castles.

Aqaba boasts some of the world’s most pristine coral reefs, with over 100 dive sites accessible from shore or by boat. You can enjoy water activities like snorkeling and diving, exploring colorful coral gardens, diverse marine life, and fascinating shipwrecks.

Snorkeling and Diving Spots

The Red Sea in Aqaba is perfect for snorkeling, with sites like Japanese Gardens and the Cedar Pride wreck offering spectacular underwater views. Even if you’re not a certified diver, you can still experience the beauty of the Red Sea‘s coral reefs.

Some of the top places to visit in Aqaba include the historic Mamluk Fort (Aqaba Castle) and a vibrant souk where you can shop for spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The city’s waterfront promenade is lined with restaurants and cafes, making it an ideal city to relax and unwind.

Experience Bedouin Culture

As you explore Jordan, you’ll have the chance to connect with the Bedouin community and their centuries-old customs. Engaging with Bedouin culture offers one of the most authentic and meaningful experiences in Jordan, connecting you with traditions that have been preserved for thousands of years.

The Bedouin people have a rich cultural heritage, reflected in their hospitality, music, and crafts. When visiting Bedouin communities, you’ll likely be invited to share tea – a ritual that goes beyond simple hospitality and represents a centuries-old tradition of welcoming guests in the desert.

Bani Hamida Weaving Project

In 1985, a group of Bedouin women from the Bani Hamida group started a weaving project to empower local women to build a career and generate income for their children and community. You can visit their artisan studio in the mountains overlooking the Dead Sea and witness the highly skilled women while at work.

• The Bani Hamida Weaving Project provides a fascinating glimpse into how traditional Bedouin crafts are being preserved while empowering local women economically.
• You’ll learn about their weaving process, using traditional Bedouin techniques passed down through generations.

By supporting community-based tourism initiatives like the Bani Hamida project, you’re helping preserve traditional Middle Eastern crafts and providing sustainable income for Bedouin families.

Discover Amman’s Blend of Old and New

As you explore Amman, you’ll discover a city that seamlessly blends its historical heritage with modern Middle Eastern urban life. Amman, Jordan’s capital, is a fascinating blend of ancient history and contemporary culture, making it one of the top places to visit in Jordan.

The city offers numerous places to explore, including the Roman Amphitheater, Jordan Museum, and Jabal Amman, known for its art galleries. You can also experience the vibrant nightlife in Abdoun or visit one of the many shopping malls.

Some highlights of Amman include:

• The Citadel (Jabal al-Qal’a), which sits on the highest hill in Amman, providing spectacular city views and access to archaeological treasures.
• Amman’s Roman Theater, built during the 2nd century AD, which is remarkably well-preserved and still hosts cultural events.
• The bustling souks in downtown Amman, where you can shop for spices, sample street food, and practice your bargaining skills.
• Districts like Abdoun and Sweifieh, which showcase Jordan’s cosmopolitan character with upscale restaurants, contemporary art galleries, and vibrant nightlife venues.

Amman serves as an excellent introduction to Jordan, with many travelers spending 1-2 days here at the beginning of their trip to adjust to the time zone and get a sense of Jordanian culture before heading to the country’s natural and historical wonders in the Middle East.

Taste Traditional Jordanian Cuisine

The traditional cuisine of Jordan offers a delicious journey through the Middle East’s diverse flavors. Jordanian food is characterized by its rich mezze-style dishes, including rice, falafel, yoghurt, lamb, olives, and bread, all of which are influenced by North African, Persian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern culinary traditions.

One of the highlights of Jordanian cuisine is its national dish, Mansaf, which consists of lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt (jameed) served over rice and topped with nuts. This communal dish is traditionally eaten using your right hand to form the rice into balls.

• Mezze culture is central to Jordanian dining, featuring small plates like hummus, moutabel (smoky eggplant dip), tabbouleh (parsley salad), and warm, fresh-baked flatbreads.
• Street food in Jordan provides authentic culinary experiences, with popular items like falafel, shawarma, and knafeh (a sweet cheese pastry).
• Jordanian hospitality is often expressed through food and drink, such as Arabic coffee (qahwa) and sweet tea with mint (shay bi na’na).

Dish	Description
Mansaf	Lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt, served with rice and nuts.
Knafeh	A sweet cheese pastry soaked in sugar syrup and topped with crushed pistachios.
Falafel	Deep-fried chickpea patties, often served in a pita with vegetables and tahini sauce.

For a unique food experience, try a traditional Bedouin zarb, where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked underground in a sand oven, available at many desert camps in Wadi Rum.

Best Time to Visit and Travel Tips

To make the most of your trip to Jordan, it’s essential to know when to visit. The country has a lot to offer, from historical sites to natural wonders, and planning your visit at the right time can enhance your experience.

The best time to visit Jordan is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November), when the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20-28°C (68-82°F). This makes it ideal for exploring outdoor sites without the extreme heat of the summer months.

Getting Around Jordan

Renting a car is the best way to explore Jordan if you’re comfortable driving in a foreign country. It offers flexibility and convenience that public transportation can’t match. Roads are generally good, though signage may be limited in rural areas. Alternatively, hiring a private driver is a popular option that’s reasonably priced and allows you to relax while benefiting from local knowledge.

Jordan Pass and Entry Requirements

The Jordan Pass is an excellent value for most visitors, combining your tourist visa fee with entrance to over 40 attractions, including Petra, Jerash, and Wadi Rum. Purchasing it before arrival saves both money and time at immigration. For most Western visitors, a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date is required. While visas can be obtained on arrival, buying the Jordan Pass in advance is more economical if you’re staying for 3 or more days.

When you plan your trip to Jordan, consider allocating at least 7-9 days to see the major highlights without rushing. Ideally, spend two full days in Petra, two days in Wadi Rum, and one day each in the Dead Sea, Aqaba, and Amman. This will give you a comprehensive experience of what Jordan has to offer.

Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Jordan

Whether you’re looking to relax in a luxurious hotel or immerse yourself in the desert under the stars, Jordan has the perfect place for you. With a wide range of accommodations available, you can choose to stay in luxury resorts, boutique hotels, or unique desert camps.

For a stay near Petra, consider the Mövenpick Resort Petra, which is just a 3-minute walk from the site entrance. This allows you to be among the first to explore the ancient city in the morning or return for Petra by Night. If you’re heading to Aqaba, the Mövenpick Tala Bay offers luxurious rooms with private balconies and direct access to the beach.

For a more adventurous experience, Memories Aicha Luxury Camp in Wadi Rum offers ornate tents and domes where you can sleep under the stars. Alternatively, Sun City Camp provides Martian domes and traditional Bedouin tents, allowing you to enjoy the desert landscape in comfort.

When planning your trip to Jordan, consider dividing your stay between different regions to minimize driving time. You might spend two days at the Dead Sea, three days in Petra, and two days in Wadi Rum, making the most of your time in this beautiful country.

Conclusion: Planning Your Perfect Jordan Itinerary

With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality, Jordan is a destination that promises to leave you enchanted. As you plan your trip to this incredible country, you’ll find that it’s packed with bucket list experiences, from exploring the ancient city of Petra to floating in the Dead Sea and camping under the stars in Wadi Rum.

To make the most of your visit, consider spending at least 7-9 days in Jordan. This allows you to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and historical sites without feeling rushed. The best way to structure your itinerary is to start in Amman, then head to Jerash and the northern sites, continue to the Dead Sea, spend at least two days exploring Petra, and finish with Wadi Rum and possibly Aqaba.

Whatever your travel style or interests, Jordan has something special to offer. Whether you’re drawn to its rich history, stunning natural beauty, or vibrant culture, this incredible country is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.